Evaluation of carbon nanotubes‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as bioactive implant coats radiated by near infrared laser

This study aimed to evaluate carbon nanotubes‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as bioactive titanium implant coats and to assess the effect of near‐infrared radiation on these nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes were acid‐functionalized, and hydroxyapatite was prepared by the wet‐chemical precipitation method. Both precursors were used to prepare the carbon nanotubes‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposites in two concentrations of hydroxyapatite (0.5 and 1 wt.%). The formed nanocomposites were characterized and used to coat silanized titanium discs and cylinders. Half the specimens of each group were radiated by near‐infrared laser, then wettability and shear bond strength were tested for all specimens. Bioactivity was tested by monitoring the formation of calcium phosphate compounds after soaking in simulated body fluid. A significant increase in wettability and bond strength was found in the radiated coats compared to the non‐radiated ones with the 1% hydroxyapatite group showing the highest values followed by 0.5% hydroxyapatite then the carbon nanotubes group. The two‐way ANOVA test showed that both the difference in material and the laser treatment have had a statistically significant contribution to the increase in wettability and bond strength. The radiated groups also contributed to the formation of more calcium phosphate crystals of larger sizes and higher degrees of crystallinity.